US4993244A - Locking apparatus for a cellular phone - Google Patents

Locking apparatus for a cellular phone Download PDF

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Publication number
US4993244A
US4993244A US07/520,764 US52076490A US4993244A US 4993244 A US4993244 A US 4993244A US 52076490 A US52076490 A US 52076490A US 4993244 A US4993244 A US 4993244A
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United States
Prior art keywords
cover
base
assembly
disposed
lock
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Expired - Fee Related
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US07/520,764
Inventor
Craig Osman
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US07/520,764 priority Critical patent/US4993244A/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/66Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
    • H04M1/667Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0241Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for telephones
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/0049Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
    • B60R2011/0064Connection with the article
    • B60R2011/0075Connection with the article using a containment or docking space
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0096Theft prevention of articles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0005Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices using chains, cables or the like
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S70/00Locks
    • Y10S70/72Telephone lock
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/40Portable
    • Y10T70/413Padlocks
    • Y10T70/417Combination-controlled
    • Y10T70/435Flexible shackle
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/50Special application
    • Y10T70/5009For portable articles
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/50Special application
    • Y10T70/5093For closures
    • Y10T70/554Cover, lid, cap, encasing shield
    • Y10T70/5544Pivoted
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T70/00Locks
    • Y10T70/50Special application
    • Y10T70/5889For automotive vehicles
    • Y10T70/5982Accessories

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a locking assembly or structure specifically adapted to mount a mobile, cellular-type phone in a secured position on or to a supporting surface such as but not limited to the floor or other portions of an automobile or like vehicle.
  • Alley, III, U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,031 discloses an apparatus for preventing theft of portable articles from a vehicle incorporating an elongated cord attached at least at one end to a locking structure associated with an attachment bracket or like member.
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. to Leeper, 3,595,041; Porter, 4,047,686; and Cykman, 4,862,715 all disclose mounting brackets or casings for the protection of portable articles from theft or unauthorized removal from a vehicle utilizing some type of encasement or housing normally disposed in a locked position by some type of exterior or supplementary locking structure such as but not limited to a padlock.
  • These patents are not specifically directed to the protection of a portable or cellular-type phone but are included as being representative of locking or securement apparatus in general.
  • This invention relates to a lock assembly designed to be used to secure and prevent removal of a portable, cellular-type phone from a given location such as but intentionally not limited to the interior of an automobile or like vehicle.
  • the assembly comprises, in a preferred embodiment to be described in greater detail hereinafter, a base portion having two elongated wall portions sufficient in length to extend along at least a majority of the length of the cellular phone to which it is intended to be connected.
  • a cover is hingedly or otherwise movably attached to the base and is configured to include a plurality of wall segments also elongated.
  • the cover due to the movable connection between itself and the base, is capable of being selectively disposed between an opened and a closed position.
  • the closed position is more particularly defined by the two wall portions of the base and the plurality of wall segments of the cover being disposed in overlying relation to correspondingly positioned side or surfaces of the phone.
  • a locking means is provided for the securement of the cover to the base in the closed position. This will prevent unauthorized removal of the phone, when engaged by the cover and base in the closed position, from its intended location such as within the interior of a vehicle.
  • the locking means may take a variety of structural configurations but in one preferred embodiment, the locking means includes two locking mounts. Each mount is formed on corresponding or substantially mating portions of the cover and base, respectively. Further, the lock mounts are adapted to supportingly receive a supplementary lock thereon so as to lockingly interconnect the mounts to one another and ensure that the cover and base would be maintained in their closed, substantially surrounded position relative to the phone being protected.
  • lock mounts are particularly adapted for a supplementary-type lock such as a padlock or portable combination lock.
  • a "built in" combination-type lock including a tongue and receiving-type channel or slot may also be incorporated as a permanent part of the cover and/or base portion.
  • a combination lock or like lock assembly secured to a supporting surface such as a floor or like location within a vehicle.
  • An elongated flexible and high strength, cut resistant cable may be permanently or fixedly attached to the base and/or shield portion of the subject assembly wherein the lock may be secured to the supporting surface and the outermost or distal end of the connecting cord or cable attached to the base is structurally adapted to be removably connected to the lock associated and/or mounted to the floor of the vehicle.
  • Another feature of the present invention comprises the provision of a shield secured to a lowermost end of the base and extending outwardly therefrom in transverse relation to the length of aforementioned wall portions.
  • the shield structure is disposed to effectively engage and definitely cover or overly a bottom most end of the cellular phone being protected.
  • the shield is dimensioned and configured to cover and thereby prevent access to any opening or cover structure associated with the housing of a battery used to power the phone during its operation. It is well recognized that the batteries themselves are frequently of great value and, of course, interchangable. Therefore, if unauthorized personnel are prevented from removing cellular phones from their intended location, such personnel frequently resort to the removal of the battery portion from the phone housing or casing.
  • cover and base are such as to provide clear, unobstructed access to the speaker portion of the phone casing thereby preventing interference with the intended use of the phone even when the locking apparatus of the present invention is in its closed position about the phone.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention in partial phantom.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein the assembly is mounted on a cellular phone.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view and partial cutaway showing yet another embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
  • one preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated as 10 and comprises a base generally indicated as 12 including a first wall portion 14 and a second wall portion 16 both having an elongated configuration and being fixedly attached to one another in substantially transverse relation.
  • a shield 18 is fixedly secured to a lower end of both the first and second wall portions 14 and 16 and extends outwardly therefrom a predetermined distance in order to cover at least a majority or an access portion of a phone housing generally indicated as 20.
  • the shield is specifically provided in covering relation to the bottom portion of the phone as at 22 (see FIG. 3) so as to prevent access to the battery mounted within the phone housing 20 and unauthorized removal thereof when the assembly indicated in FIG. 1 and 2 is in its closed position as shown.
  • the phone 20 is, of course, a cellular, portable-type phone and includes generally a speaker area or portion generally indicated as 24 and a dial area or portion generally indicated as 26. It should be emphasized that the cellular phone 20, per se, is not a part of the present invention, but does represent the type of phone for which the subject lock assembly 10 is designed to secure.
  • a cover 28 including a first wall segment 30 pivotally connected to the first wall portion 14 of the base by a hinge means 32 about correspondingly positioned longitudinal edges as shown.
  • the cover 28 also includes a second wall segment 34 defining a front face of the cover 28.
  • a third wall segment 36 is fixedly secured to the second wall segment 34 and is disposed in substantially parallel to the first wall segment 30 and co-planar relation to the second wall portion 16 of the base.
  • the cover 28 is pivotal about the hinge 32 and thereby selectively positionable between a closed or opened position, the former position being represented in solid lines in FIG. 1.
  • the second wall segment 34 representing the front face of the cover 28 is apertured as at 40 and 42 in order to provide clear access to the user of the press button dial portion of the cellular phone 20.
  • a lock means may be provided in the form of two lock mounts 50 and 52 defined by outwardly extending flanges each secured to what may be considered a free longitudinal edge of the second wall portion 16 and the third wall segment 36. These lock mounts 50 and 52 are disposed in immediately adjacent, engaging and parallel relation to one another as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the assembly is in its closed position. Both the mounts 50 and 52 have apertures which are aligned to receive a portable lock structure such as but not limited to a padlock, combination lock, etc.
  • An attachment means generally indicated as 56 in the form of an elongated high-strength, cut resistant cord of flexible material having a distal end as at 58 secured to a supporting surface or floor portion of a vehicle or other structure as at 59 to which the phone 20 is intended to be secured.
  • the cord 56 may be permanently attached as by welding or the like to the shield 18 and also may be somewhat permanently anchored at its distal end 58 to the support surface 59.
  • the proximal end 60 may be fixedly secured to the shield 18 as at 60' in FIG. 4.
  • the distal end as at 58' includes a locking means including a tongue member 64 designed to fit within a central channel (not shown) of a combination type lock 66.
  • the combination type lock is fixedly and/or permanently attached to the supporting surface 59 as also shown in FIG. 4.
  • another embodiment of the present invention comprises an attachment cord 70 having an elongated configuration and formed of the same structure and material as cord 56 in the embodiment of FIG. 4.
  • the proximal end of the cord 70 as at 72 is attached to a lock tongue structure 74 designed to fit within the central channel or receiving sleeve 76 of a combination locking member 78 which is fixedly secured to the housing 20 of the phone adjacent a lowermost end thereof as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
  • the opposite or distal end of the cord, 70 as at 73 may be permanently or otherwise anchored to the supporting surface 59 as shown.
  • the cord 56 and 70 respectively, has sufficient flexibility and longitudinal dimension to allow use of the phone 20 in the conventional manner while it is still attached by the respective cords 56 and 70 to the supporting surface 59.

Abstract

An apparatus for the locking attachment of a mobile, cellular phone in a secure position such as being attached to a floor or like supporting surface within a vehicle to prevent unauthorized removal of the phone but still allow freedom of use and ease of removal of the phone from the locking apparatus or the locking apparatus from its attachment to a supporting surface when it is desired to transport the phone with a user from one location to another.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a locking assembly or structure specifically adapted to mount a mobile, cellular-type phone in a secured position on or to a supporting surface such as but not limited to the floor or other portions of an automobile or like vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The concept of providing locks or like securement devices for telephones is, of course, well known in the patented art and also such devices are believed to be commercially available. Existing prior art devices are represented in a plurality of various structural designs specifically adapted to perform an intended function dependent to a great extent on the overall size, configuration, and type of telephone being secured. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,469,041 to Winston, and 4,750,204 to Bartley, are both directed towards locking structures adapted to be used with substantially conventional non-portable telephone hand sets. Bartley is primarily concerned with the protection against unauthorized use by including a barrier portion which overlies and effectively covers a press button dial portion of the phone. Winston, on the other hand, is directed to a structure which is adapted to prevent use of the hand portion in order to prevent use of the phone.
Other prior art structures are represented in the U.S. Pat. Nos. to Gazda, 2,615,322; Blough, 3,824,465; and Suzaki, 4,713,836. These structures are primarily designed for the securement, shielding, or otherwise secured attachment of mobile-type phones to prevent removal and/or unauthorized use.
Alley, III, U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,031, discloses an apparatus for preventing theft of portable articles from a vehicle incorporating an elongated cord attached at least at one end to a locking structure associated with an attachment bracket or like member. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. to Leeper, 3,595,041; Porter, 4,047,686; and Cykman, 4,862,715 all disclose mounting brackets or casings for the protection of portable articles from theft or unauthorized removal from a vehicle utilizing some type of encasement or housing normally disposed in a locked position by some type of exterior or supplementary locking structure such as but not limited to a padlock. These patents are not specifically directed to the protection of a portable or cellular-type phone but are included as being representative of locking or securement apparatus in general.
The structures represented in the above-noted patent show a wide variety of structural designs in configurations specifically adapted to various types of telephones as well as other portable objects. There is still a need in the industry for a locking apparatus or like securement device specifically adapted for a portable, cellular phone which prevents the unauthorized removal of such phone from a predetermined location and also prevents removal of the battery from the phone casing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a lock assembly designed to be used to secure and prevent removal of a portable, cellular-type phone from a given location such as but intentionally not limited to the interior of an automobile or like vehicle. The assembly comprises, in a preferred embodiment to be described in greater detail hereinafter, a base portion having two elongated wall portions sufficient in length to extend along at least a majority of the length of the cellular phone to which it is intended to be connected. In addition, a cover is hingedly or otherwise movably attached to the base and is configured to include a plurality of wall segments also elongated. The cover, due to the movable connection between itself and the base, is capable of being selectively disposed between an opened and a closed position. The closed position is more particularly defined by the two wall portions of the base and the plurality of wall segments of the cover being disposed in overlying relation to correspondingly positioned side or surfaces of the phone.
In addition, a locking means is provided for the securement of the cover to the base in the closed position. This will prevent unauthorized removal of the phone, when engaged by the cover and base in the closed position, from its intended location such as within the interior of a vehicle. The locking means may take a variety of structural configurations but in one preferred embodiment, the locking means includes two locking mounts. Each mount is formed on corresponding or substantially mating portions of the cover and base, respectively. Further, the lock mounts are adapted to supportingly receive a supplementary lock thereon so as to lockingly interconnect the mounts to one another and ensure that the cover and base would be maintained in their closed, substantially surrounded position relative to the phone being protected.
While the type of lock utilized may vary, the lock mounts are particularly adapted for a supplementary-type lock such as a padlock or portable combination lock.
A "built in" combination-type lock including a tongue and receiving-type channel or slot may also be incorporated as a permanent part of the cover and/or base portion. Alternately, yet another embodiment to be described in greater detail hereinafter is a combination lock or like lock assembly secured to a supporting surface such as a floor or like location within a vehicle. An elongated flexible and high strength, cut resistant cable may be permanently or fixedly attached to the base and/or shield portion of the subject assembly wherein the lock may be secured to the supporting surface and the outermost or distal end of the connecting cord or cable attached to the base is structurally adapted to be removably connected to the lock associated and/or mounted to the floor of the vehicle.
Another feature of the present invention comprises the provision of a shield secured to a lowermost end of the base and extending outwardly therefrom in transverse relation to the length of aforementioned wall portions. The shield structure is disposed to effectively engage and definitely cover or overly a bottom most end of the cellular phone being protected. In particular, the shield is dimensioned and configured to cover and thereby prevent access to any opening or cover structure associated with the housing of a battery used to power the phone during its operation. It is well recognized that the batteries themselves are frequently of great value and, of course, interchangable. Therefore, if unauthorized personnel are prevented from removing cellular phones from their intended location, such personnel frequently resort to the removal of the battery portion from the phone housing or casing.
Other structural features include an apertured construction in one wall segment which normally is disposed to overly the dialing pad of the phone. Also, the relative dimensions and configurations of the cover and base are such as to provide clear, unobstructed access to the speaker portion of the phone casing thereby preventing interference with the intended use of the phone even when the locking apparatus of the present invention is in its closed position about the phone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention in partial phantom.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein the assembly is mounted on a cellular phone.
FIG. 3 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view and partial cutaway showing yet another embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
Like reference numerals refer to like reference parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated as 10 and comprises a base generally indicated as 12 including a first wall portion 14 and a second wall portion 16 both having an elongated configuration and being fixedly attached to one another in substantially transverse relation. A shield 18 is fixedly secured to a lower end of both the first and second wall portions 14 and 16 and extends outwardly therefrom a predetermined distance in order to cover at least a majority or an access portion of a phone housing generally indicated as 20. The shield is specifically provided in covering relation to the bottom portion of the phone as at 22 (see FIG. 3) so as to prevent access to the battery mounted within the phone housing 20 and unauthorized removal thereof when the assembly indicated in FIG. 1 and 2 is in its closed position as shown.
The phone 20 is, of course, a cellular, portable-type phone and includes generally a speaker area or portion generally indicated as 24 and a dial area or portion generally indicated as 26. It should be emphasized that the cellular phone 20, per se, is not a part of the present invention, but does represent the type of phone for which the subject lock assembly 10 is designed to secure.
Another feature of the present invention includes the provision of a cover 28 including a first wall segment 30 pivotally connected to the first wall portion 14 of the base by a hinge means 32 about correspondingly positioned longitudinal edges as shown. The cover 28 also includes a second wall segment 34 defining a front face of the cover 28. A third wall segment 36 is fixedly secured to the second wall segment 34 and is disposed in substantially parallel to the first wall segment 30 and co-planar relation to the second wall portion 16 of the base.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 28 is pivotal about the hinge 32 and thereby selectively positionable between a closed or opened position, the former position being represented in solid lines in FIG. 1.
As also best shown in FIG. 1, the second wall segment 34 representing the front face of the cover 28 is apertured as at 40 and 42 in order to provide clear access to the user of the press button dial portion of the cellular phone 20.
It should be further noted that the length of the elongated wall portions 14 and 16 is greater than the length of the elongated wall segments 30, 34, and 36. This allows an opening or spacing as at 44 to exist between the lower end of the cover end 28 and the shield 18. This opening or spacing 44 allows the speaker portion 24 to be readily accessible to the user when he is speaking into the phone 20 without interference of any structural portion of the lock assembly 10. A lock means may be provided in the form of two lock mounts 50 and 52 defined by outwardly extending flanges each secured to what may be considered a free longitudinal edge of the second wall portion 16 and the third wall segment 36. These lock mounts 50 and 52 are disposed in immediately adjacent, engaging and parallel relation to one another as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the assembly is in its closed position. Both the mounts 50 and 52 have apertures which are aligned to receive a portable lock structure such as but not limited to a padlock, combination lock, etc.
An attachment means generally indicated as 56 in the form of an elongated high-strength, cut resistant cord of flexible material having a distal end as at 58 secured to a supporting surface or floor portion of a vehicle or other structure as at 59 to which the phone 20 is intended to be secured.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cord 56 may be permanently attached as by welding or the like to the shield 18 and also may be somewhat permanently anchored at its distal end 58 to the support surface 59. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the proximal end 60 may be fixedly secured to the shield 18 as at 60' in FIG. 4. The distal end as at 58' includes a locking means including a tongue member 64 designed to fit within a central channel (not shown) of a combination type lock 66. The combination type lock is fixedly and/or permanently attached to the supporting surface 59 as also shown in FIG. 4.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, another embodiment of the present invention comprises an attachment cord 70 having an elongated configuration and formed of the same structure and material as cord 56 in the embodiment of FIG. 4. The proximal end of the cord 70 as at 72 is attached to a lock tongue structure 74 designed to fit within the central channel or receiving sleeve 76 of a combination locking member 78 which is fixedly secured to the housing 20 of the phone adjacent a lowermost end thereof as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The opposite or distal end of the cord, 70 as at 73 may be permanently or otherwise anchored to the supporting surface 59 as shown. In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, it should be appreciated that the cord 56 and 70, respectively, has sufficient flexibility and longitudinal dimension to allow use of the phone 20 in the conventional manner while it is still attached by the respective cords 56 and 70 to the supporting surface 59.
Now that the invention has been described,

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:
1. A lock assembly for a portable phone powered by a self-contained battery structure, said assembly comprising:
a. a base including a first and a second elongated wall portion disposed in substantially transverse relation to one another and oriented to overly a rear portion and one side portion respectively of the phone when attached thereto,
b. a shield member secured at one end of said base and dimensioned to extend transversely outward from both said wall portions,
c. said shield member disposed and configured to overly and cover a lower end of the phone and access to the battery therein,
d. a cover movably connected to said base and disposable into a closed position defined by overlying, covering relation of said cover to a front portion and an opposite side portion of the phone while said base is disposed in overlying relation to said rear portion and said one side portion respectively of the phone,
e. lock means mounted in part on both said base and said cover and disposed and structured for locking connection of said base and said cover in said closed position,
f. said cover comprising an outer exposed face having an apertured construction defined by at least one access opening overlying a dial portion of the phone when said cover and said base are in said closed position.
2. An assembly as in claim 1 wherein said cover comprises at least a first and a second elongated wall segment fixedly mounted in substantially transverse relation to one another and pivotally connected to said base and movable in a path of travel substantially transverse to the length of the phone into and out of said closed position.
3. An assembly as in claim 2 wherein said first wall portion and said first wall segment are pivotally connected to one another along correspondingly disposed longitudinal edges and said lock means is mounted on correspondingly disposed free longitudinal edges of said base and cover.
4. An assembly as in claim 2 wherein said cover comprises a third wall segment fixed in transverse relation to said second wall segment in substantially parallel relation to said first wall segment.
5. An assembly as in claim 4 wherein said first and second wall portions of said base are cooperatively disposed with said first, second, and third wall segments of said cover to define a substantially rectangular transverse cross-sectional configuration collectively of said base and said cover when in said closed position.
6. An assembly as in claim 4 wherein correspondingly positioned longitudinal edges of said base and said cover are pivotally attached to one another, substantially oppositely disposed free longitudinal edges of said base and said cover are disposed in immediately adjacent position and connected by said lock means when said base and cover are in said closed position.
7. An assembly as in claim 6 wherein said free longitudinal edges are each disposed on different ones of said second wall portions and said third wall segments, respectively.
8. An assembly as in claim 7 wherein said lock means comprises two lock mounts each secured to a different one of said free longitudinal edges on said second wall portion and said third wall segment, respectively, and said lock means further comprising a lock structure secured to and interconnecting said lock mounts and lockingly securing said base and said cover into said closed position.
9. An assembly as in claim 7 wherein said second wall portion and said third wall segment are disposed in substantially co-planar relation to one another and in parallel relation to said first wall segment and said first wall portion and said second wall segment are disposed in parallel relation when said cover and said base are in said closed position.
10. An assembly as in claim 1 wherein said cover comprises a lower end portion disposed in spaced relation to said shield member and in non-covering relation to a speaker portion of the phone.
11. An assembly as in claim 1 wherein said shield member is fixedly secured to a support surface, said base and said cover being disposed in a substantially vertically oriented, upright position.
12. An assembly as in claim 8 wherein said lock structure is a portable lock and said lock mounts are outwardly extending substantially planar flanges disposed in abutting parallel relation to one another, said flanges being adapted to concurrently receive the portable lock thereon when said cover and said base are in said closed position.
13. An assembly as in claim 1 further comprising attachment means including an elongated cord formed of a flexible, high strength material resistant to cutting along its length, said cord including a distal end secured to a supporting surface and extending outwardly therefrom, and a proximal end oppositely disposed to said distal end and structurally adapted to be secured to a portion of said lock assembly.
14. An assembly as in claim 13 wherein said proximal end is fixedly secured to a lower end of said lock assembly and said distal end has a locking means attached in part thereto, said locking means including a locking portion secured to said distal end and a second locking portion fixedly mounted on said supporting surface, said first and second locking portion removably attachable to one another.
US07/520,764 1990-05-09 1990-05-09 Locking apparatus for a cellular phone Expired - Fee Related US4993244A (en)

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US07/520,764 US4993244A (en) 1990-05-09 1990-05-09 Locking apparatus for a cellular phone

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Cited By (30)

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US5125249A (en) * 1991-08-26 1992-06-30 Raythion Fields Lock for gear shift lever
US5381685A (en) * 1992-01-24 1995-01-17 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US5392350A (en) * 1992-05-18 1995-02-21 Swanson; Paul J. Support apparatus for a transportable telephone
US5401924A (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-03-28 Armanno, Sr.; Frank Remote battery switch
US5493878A (en) * 1992-01-24 1996-02-27 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US5884508A (en) * 1997-02-03 1999-03-23 Acco Brands, Inc. Security adapter
US5983679A (en) * 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Micro Security Devices, Inc. Portable anti-theft locking anchor
US6000252A (en) 1992-01-24 1999-12-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6006557A (en) 1995-02-08 1999-12-28 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6047573A (en) * 1998-12-03 2000-04-11 Martinez; David Telephone lock box
US6112561A (en) 1994-08-26 2000-09-05 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device for a portable computer
GB2362423A (en) * 2000-05-17 2001-11-21 Maurice Henry Whittle Apparatus to secure an object on shop display such as a mobile phone
US6662602B1 (en) 1996-11-08 2003-12-16 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device for a portable computer
US6735990B1 (en) 1992-01-24 2004-05-18 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US20050028571A1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2005-02-10 Kensington Technology Group Portable electronic device physical security
US20050150263A1 (en) * 1993-10-15 2005-07-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US20050178173A1 (en) * 2002-07-24 2005-08-18 Acco Brands, Inc. Lock for securing an article on display
US20060112740A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2006-06-01 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device including engagement member
US20060123242A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-06-08 Acco Brands Usa, Llc Biometric security device
US20060117814A1 (en) * 2003-07-23 2006-06-08 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device with retractable cable
US20070113608A1 (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-05-24 Acco Brands Usa Llc, Locking device with passage
US20070217622A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-20 Tomotaka Takeuchi Wireless client device
US20070220931A1 (en) * 1992-01-24 2007-09-27 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device
US20100139337A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2010-06-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US20110072863A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2011-03-31 ACCO Brands USA LLC. Security Apparatus Including Locking Head and Attachment Device
USD651889S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-01-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus
US8869573B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2014-10-28 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
US9410344B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2016-08-09 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
CN108839560A (en) * 2018-06-27 2018-11-20 佛山伊苏巨森科技有限公司 A kind of Vehicular intelligent mobile terminal locking device and its application method
US10277730B1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2019-04-30 Charles Isgar Smartphone lock box system

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US2716882A (en) * 1954-06-04 1955-09-06 William M Gill Guard for protecting coin operated switches and like metering devices
US3391256A (en) * 1963-11-18 1968-07-02 Benner Nawman Inc Cover guard for pay telephone station
GB1098782A (en) * 1964-09-01 1968-01-10 Int Standard Electric Corp Improvements to telephone subscribers' instruments
US3664163A (en) * 1970-02-24 1972-05-23 Master Lock Co Protective anchoring assemblage
US3824465A (en) * 1973-01-04 1974-07-16 Int Mobile Machines Portable tone decoder-encoder system
US3859826A (en) * 1973-02-21 1975-01-14 M Leonard Singer Apparatus for securing office equipment at a remote station
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US4937860A (en) * 1985-12-04 1990-06-26 Philip Smith Security device for a telephone instrument
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Cited By (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5125249A (en) * 1991-08-26 1992-06-30 Raythion Fields Lock for gear shift lever
US6588241B1 (en) 1992-01-24 2003-07-08 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6735990B1 (en) 1992-01-24 2004-05-18 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US5493878A (en) * 1992-01-24 1996-02-27 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US5502989A (en) * 1992-01-24 1996-04-02 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US6155088A (en) 1992-01-24 2000-12-05 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US20070220931A1 (en) * 1992-01-24 2007-09-27 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device
US6000251A (en) 1992-01-24 1999-12-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6000252A (en) 1992-01-24 1999-12-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6553794B1 (en) 1992-01-24 2003-04-29 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US20040206138A1 (en) * 1992-01-24 2004-10-21 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US5381685A (en) * 1992-01-24 1995-01-17 Kensington Microware Limited Computer physical security device
US5392350A (en) * 1992-05-18 1995-02-21 Swanson; Paul J. Support apparatus for a transportable telephone
US20050150262A1 (en) * 1993-10-15 2005-07-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US20070056337A1 (en) * 1993-10-15 2007-03-15 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device
US20050150263A1 (en) * 1993-10-15 2005-07-14 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US5401924A (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-03-28 Armanno, Sr.; Frank Remote battery switch
US6112561A (en) 1994-08-26 2000-09-05 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device for a portable computer
US6006557A (en) 1995-02-08 1999-12-28 Acco Brands, Inc. Computer physical security device
US6662602B1 (en) 1996-11-08 2003-12-16 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device for a portable computer
US5884508A (en) * 1997-02-03 1999-03-23 Acco Brands, Inc. Security adapter
US5983679A (en) * 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Micro Security Devices, Inc. Portable anti-theft locking anchor
US6321579B1 (en) 1998-11-17 2001-11-27 Micro Security Devices Inc. Portable anti-theft locking anchor
US6047573A (en) * 1998-12-03 2000-04-11 Martinez; David Telephone lock box
GB2362423B (en) * 2000-05-17 2003-11-12 Maurice Henry Whittle Security apparatus
GB2362423A (en) * 2000-05-17 2001-11-21 Maurice Henry Whittle Apparatus to secure an object on shop display such as a mobile phone
US20050028571A1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2005-02-10 Kensington Technology Group Portable electronic device physical security
US20050178173A1 (en) * 2002-07-24 2005-08-18 Acco Brands, Inc. Lock for securing an article on display
US7647796B2 (en) 2003-07-23 2010-01-19 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device with retractable cable
US20060117814A1 (en) * 2003-07-23 2006-06-08 Acco Brands Usa Llc Computer physical security device with retractable cable
US20060123242A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-06-08 Acco Brands Usa, Llc Biometric security device
US20060112740A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2006-06-01 Acco Brands, Inc. Security device including engagement member
US7963132B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2011-06-21 Acco Brands Usa Llc Locking device with passage
US20070113608A1 (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-05-24 Acco Brands Usa Llc, Locking device with passage
US7730751B2 (en) 2005-11-18 2010-06-08 Acco Brands Usa Llc Locking device with passage
US7565143B2 (en) * 2006-03-15 2009-07-21 Panasonic Corporation Wireless client device
US20070217622A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-20 Tomotaka Takeuchi Wireless client device
US20100139337A1 (en) * 2007-05-25 2010-06-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US8230707B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2012-07-31 ACCO Brands Corporation Security system with lock interface member with multiple apertures
US7997106B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-08-16 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including locking head and attachment device
US20110089794A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2011-04-21 ACCO Brands USA LLC. Security apparatus including attachment device
US20110080707A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2011-04-07 ACCO Brands USA LLC. Security apparatus including locking head
US8001812B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-08-23 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including locking head
US8042366B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2011-10-25 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus including attachment device
US20110072863A1 (en) * 2009-05-29 2011-03-31 ACCO Brands USA LLC. Security Apparatus Including Locking Head and Attachment Device
USD661975S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-06-19 ACCO Brands Corporation Attachment device for security apparatus
USD660682S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-05-29 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus
USD651889S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-01-10 Acco Brands Usa Llc Security apparatus
USD670553S1 (en) 2011-04-19 2012-11-13 ACCO Brands Corporation Attachment device for security apparatus
US8869573B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2014-10-28 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
US9316026B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2016-04-19 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
US9410344B2 (en) 2011-06-14 2016-08-09 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
US10277730B1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2019-04-30 Charles Isgar Smartphone lock box system
CN108839560A (en) * 2018-06-27 2018-11-20 佛山伊苏巨森科技有限公司 A kind of Vehicular intelligent mobile terminal locking device and its application method

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Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362